Bayern Munich defender Javi Martinez has been ruled out of Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania through injury, the Bundesliga club have confirmed.
Martinez, 28, has endured several injury-hit years since joining Bayern from Athletic Club in 2012 but had featured in all of their competitive fixtures this season.
His form at the heart of Bayern’s defence was enough to earn him a place back in the Spain squad but he has now had to withdraw after sustaining an injury against Koln at the weekend.
“He has been ruled out for the near future… and also called off his participation with the Spanish national team for their upcoming qualifiers in Italy and Albania,” Bayern said in a statement, via The Daily Mail.
In the last five Bundesliga campaigns Martinez has only managed to start in 28.3% of Bayern’s league matches.
For more stats on Javi Martinez, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
